What is a Shaker Kitchen – How to Design One [Explained]

Want to keep the kitchen design minimalistic and versatile while renovating? Then, a shaker kitchen is a right fit for you. But, what is a shaker kitchen? And what is the cost of this kitchen style? Get all your answers here!

The Shaker kitchen style was first introduced in the late 1700s. With no decoration, the idea is to keep the design minimal with clean-lined cabinets. A light colour scheme is used to maintain the simple and elegant look. This style is budget-friendly, and installing a shaker kitchen unit costs around £6,000 to £8,000 in the U.K.

Before jumping to the details, let’s have a quick look at the history of the traditional shaker kitchen and how the design was kept minimal.

What Is A Shaker Kitchen?

A shaker kitchen is designed with meticulous craftsmanship, but the overall look is kept simple for maximum storage. 

What Is A Shaker Kitchen?
  • The edges of shaker cabinets are clean with balanced proportions.  
  • The wood is crafted with no additional ornaments, and the design is straightforward. 

The style philosophy is preserving nature by keeping design simple and constructing furniture with a flat centre panel using dovetail joints. 

History – The Testimony Of Preserving Nature

In the mid- 18th century, a group of Protestants was separated from a religious sect, “Quakers”. But soon after the persecution, they fled to America.

  • Officially, they were known as The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearance. 
  • The sect was founded in England in 1783.

The shaker faith revolves around common ownership, simplicity, and equality. They believe that beauty is to be adored in its simplest form. So, they make easy-to-move furniture that is modest and minimal.

Key Features – What Defines It?

The centre feature of shaker cabinets and furniture is minimalism. Items are made to serve the purposes. 

  1. The shaker doors are made with the finest wood without carving or embellishment.
  2. Cabinets are crafted with five wood pieces. A centre is a plane surrounded by four balanced proportions.
  3. Traditionally, no metal handles were used. But nowadays, manufacturers tend to use metal handles for longevity.
  4. Classic style includes bi-fold doors. 
  5. It embodies utility and honest design to serve a purpose.

 Typically, the colour scheme used is light. The cabinets are painted white or cream for a more natural look.

How To Design A Shaker Kitchen? – Quick Guide

Want to renovate your kitchen while staying on budget with effortless design, classic touch and overall representation of purity? Try our best guide to keep things minimal. 

  1. Soulful Colours – Mix And Match

Even though the shaker style is all about simplicity, it’s not mean that you only have to use light shades of beige, white and oak.

You can add dark shades too for a modern look. If you have a rear view kitchen, the black or opal green will work fine too.

We recommend installing a dark shade worktop if you use light shades. You can also use multiple ideas for kitchen lighting.

  1. Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets – Inexpensive And Reliable

The cabinets will comprise four frame pieces with a plane centre and made with traditional dovetail joints.

You can also brush the furniture with oil to preserve the wood’s neutral texture and timeless look. 

Even with the rugged use, shaker cabinets don’t become uneven. You can adjust the cabinet’s doors easily with a screwdriver.

Are Shaker Kitchen Cabinets Expensive?

Shaker cabinets are made with the least expensive wood. Renovating the cabinets can cost up to $1,200 per linear foot.

  1. Shaker Hardware – The Devil Is In Detail

Back in the Victorian era, traditional wooden Hardware was preferred. Because adding the metal frame and handles was seen as offensive and too elaborate.

But now, most people prefer to use metal handles and pulls. The gold-painted hardware blend with a natural look and also dark-painted cabinets. 

  1. Natural Light – Connecting To Roots

Honour the originality by leaving room for natural light. The light will blend the interior and provide a more exquisite look.

You can extend your kitchen and add pane glass for more lighting. A natural theme will preserve the essence of simplicity.

  1. Edges – Contemporary Twist

Add a twist to the traditional style using glass. Ensure the symmetrical design with minimal detailing. 

Use the least expensive wood and leave the edges raw. 

Modern Shaker Kitchen Ideas – The Inspirations To Finding Perfect

As I mentioned, mix and match; you can pick any design and give it a vivid look that will preserve the original modesty. 

Modern Shaker Kitchen Features / Styling Ideas
NordicUse Blond Wood
Keep The Traditional White Colour
Suitable For Fuss Free Furniture
Best For Small Families
CottageUse Oak Wood
Mix And Match The Colour
Add Plants For Farm House Look
Best For Large Families
Mid-Century Prefered In Central London
Best For Kitchen With Sunlight
Keep The Orignal White Shaker Kitchen
Mix Well With Dark Colours 
Shaker IslandPaint The Furniture Black
Use Metal hardware
Blend With Electric Appliances
Suitable For Big Families
Contemporary LookOverall Modern Look
Keep Things Minimal
Blends Well With Mashrrom And Green Paint
Suitable For Open Space

What Type Of Material Used For Shaker Doors?

Oak And Brichwood

In the early days, cherry and mahogany made wooden plane centres. But now, manufacturers prefer oak and birchwood to make shaker doors to cut costs.

Fitted Shaker Kitchen – Which Is The Best Company?

To enrich the overall look of your home, you don’t have to stick to the primary colours. Installing a fitted kitchen can be costly, but the result is worth every penny. 

  1. Howdens Shaker Kitchen – Preserving Heritage On Budget

Howdens fitted kitchen preserves the five-piece original modest design. The frames look simple but decorative with metal finishing. With Howdens, you’ll also have a lot of space in the pantry. 

The Best Thing About Howdens 

  • You can choose from 79 styles. The colour scheme is different, and you can customise it according to your preferences.
  • Six layout options are available, including L-shaped, Shaker Island and Single wall.
  • If you’re tight on budget but want the best-fitted kitchen, then Howden is your go-to place.

Price Range Of Howdens

Low End: £5000

Mid-Range: £8000

Editor’s Note:

Howdens only sell to the trade, so you need to hire a carpenter to install your cream shaker kitchen. It is the only thing that I don’t like about this company.

  1. Wickes – Doing It The Right Way!

Wickes is second to none when it comes to luxury under one roof. It is a one-stop-shop for all kitchen appliances. 

And the plus point is they also offer free design service. With Wickes, you can enrich your ideas with life.

Ready To Fit Shaker Kitchen

  • Wickes offers ready-to-install units with all components. 
  • You can pick from the navy, grey and cream colours with eight different fitting ideas. 
  • The design of the doors and cabinets is preserved with originality.

Wickes Ready-to-Fit Shaker Kitchen Cost

The 8-unit ready-to-fit kitchen cost between £858 to £1100. The price varies on the design.

Editor’s Note:

Regarding the best fitting, no doubt the Wickes is a winner in the U.K. 

The add-on two years of workmanship guarantee is additional peace of mind.

How Much Does It Cost To Fit A Shaker Kitchen In The U.K?

In general, the cost of installing a kitchen depends on the type of material, fitting and number of appliances you want.

It costs £3000 to £7000 to fit a medium-sized kitchen

Howdens VS Wickes – Which Is the Best?

Wickes is the best company in the U.K for fitted kitchens. 

It may be a little expensive, but the final result is worth it. Also, the additional guarantee is the cherry on top.

Advantages – Timeless And Beyond

Apart from the clean and modest look, there are many more advantages. Have a quick look;

  1. Maximum Storage

The simple cabinet design will provide a ton of space for your storage. 

You can keep storing more in the pantry without crafting and additional weight.

  1. Easy To Clean

The cleaning process can be tricky for many. But with, the minimal design allows for cleaning the furniture quickly. 

  1. Rugged Use

Shaker furniture is made with the most refined wood using the dovetail technique. 

The dovetail technique locks all the joints and provides more friction. 

Due to this, such doors and cabinets are considered best for rugged use and longevity.

Styling Tips – Defining Details

It is always recommended to make a kitchen layout plan before hiring labour. It is best to write down all the specifications you need.

  • For a unique aesthetic, mix the colours. You can paint the interior matt and add metal hardware for an exquisite look.
  • Ditch the traditional white cooktop, and combine different materials for your sink and cooktop.
  • Stick to the minimal detailing for extra space. 

You can change the overall layout and experiment with colours as no one size fits all.

Shaker Kitchen – The Bottom Line!

Shaker style is ideal for maximum space. It includes a modest design with square edges. 

Traditionally, such units were styled with plain white and cream colours. But nowadays, ready-to-fit kitchens also have a vibrant dart matt finish.

It is always advised to keep a symmetrical design that saves space for your storage.

Jason
I like to research and write about modern kitchen designs and kitchen appliances; Whether you are looking to design a perfect kitchen or want the best cooking experience, my writing will surely help you out!